Tag Archives: made in America

This week, we unpacked some great new clothing and jewelry include four new tops (actually one top in four colors), one entire outfit, and new jewelry from two of your favorite artists.

You might recognize the top style as we’ve had it before. When I realized how pretty it looked on sizes 14 and 16, I decided to get more. It can be really tough, you’ve told me, to find pretty tops in that size that truly flatter your figure. Check it out:

Four New Tops

This top looks great on plus size women up to size 16

These four tops are now available for you to try. Please swing by to try one on in your favorite color so you can see for yourself. If you order it online and it doesn’t work, I’ll pay for return shipping! Go to the end of this post to order your favorite color.

One Cute Outfit

This cute outfit features fall colors

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Testimony Los Angeles has this new color for fall: mocha. The ever-popular pocket pants and the Gilet vest shown here are both in mocha. It’s perfect for those of you who look great in warmer colors. I paired it here with the Angelrox ballet tunic in brick. To bring it all together, a one-of-a-kind jasper necklace in various shades of brown by Susanne deCillia. Get yours online or stop by to try it on!

New Jewelry By Favorite Artists

Mixed metal with aqua necklace and earring set by Christophe Poly

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Our top-selling jewelry artist is Montreal’s Christophe Poly. We just got a new collectioon that includes this mixed metal beauty with aqua accents. Necklace is 17″ long with a magnetic clasp. The earrings are 2″ long. Made of aluminum, brass and cat’s eye, it is light-weight, contemporary, and affordable. $42 – $58.

Two new earrings by Christophe Poly

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Very cool earrings by Christophe Poly. On the left is another shot of the pair that coordinate with the above necklace. In mixed metals of aluminum and brass in a brushed finish, it has an aqua cat’s eye stone. On the right is a pair of brushed brass with olive cat’s eye stones. Both are 2″ long and $42 per pair.

Eclectic earrings by Poppy

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Poulsbo’s Poppy makes one-of-a-kind jewelry that draws from both vintage and contemporary inspiration. On the left, vintage abalone buttons have become classy mis-matched earrings. In the center, red vintage plastic loops take on a very contemporary look attached to sterling chain links. On the right, all sterling silver hoops dangle freely for a classic ambience.

Fabulous champagne pearls on gunmetal chain

This long necklace by Poppy features large, gorgeous champagne pearls interspersed on a vintage-looking gunmetal chain. Wear it long or double it up (as shown). Even hook the clasp into a higher loop for a lariat.

Poppy’s red jade necklace

This unique necklace is adjustable at 18″ – 20″. Featuring red jade stones and a sterling centerpiece, it is simply classic. Pair it with black or red tops.

Four New Tops – Individually for Purchase

The Top in Black

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The Top in Maroon

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The top in teal

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The top in “turtle” (mustard-olive)

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Lots of fall items are arriving weekly, so stay tuned and drop by frequently!

The weather is cooling down and we’re digging into the back of our closets for sweaters, wraps and light jackets. As queens of layering (that’s what all savvy Northwest women are you know), at least half our closet is taken up with a sweater, jacket or wrap of one sort or another.

To me, that makes it one of the most important elements of our personal style because it is the piece that defines our look on any given day.

Your closet may have a lot of these, but how many are worthy of your current personality?

You may need an update!

The two jackets this week are very different in look. One will appear to the more bohemian among us. The other will appeal to those of us with a more hip, contemporary style.

2 Jackets

The Elegant Bohemian

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I fell in love with this one immediately. So, as you can guess, one went home with me. What did my beloved spouse say when I walked in with it on? “Well, that’s a Manya jacket if I ever saw one. I guess you’re keeping it.” He loves it too! And now you know: I’m part bohemian.

This is the first of three tapestry jackets from Color Me Cotton that we’ll be getting this year. This is the longest one. It dips longer in the back and has pointed tips in front. Big pockets! Machine washable. $158.

The Elegant Contemporary

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A bit funky, but very cool, this cotton jacket zips up, has lovely big pockets, and a pleated reverse side adding a whole lot of style. Machine washable. $128.

New Jewelry

Shari Both has been hard at work making some lovely new pieces of jewelry. This fall, she’s inspired by the lovely deep blue of lapis lazuli and sapphires. You can see her newest pieces along with her permanent collection on her page on this website.

Four new necklaces by Shari Both

See these four pieces individually and purchase your favorite on Shari’s page. You can also enjoy a number of additional pieces from her current collection there.

New things are arriving almost daily, so stop by to check out all the new items in person!

Wear red!

Think about it.

The red carpet treatment.

A red tie on all political candidates.

The “lady in red” song.

It captures feelings of prestige, confidence, and even sexiness.

Studies have shown how red influences both the wearer as well as the viewer. It’s an emotionally intense color. It symbolizes action and courage. It makes the wearer herself feel confident. People stop and take notice.

On the other side of the spectrum, red signifies danger, anger and oppression (think fire trucks and Communism).

So, finding the best balance for the situation is called for. Is a touch of red enough? Or do you need the whole hog – a gorgeous red evening gown? Even choosing the best shade of red makes a difference (think pink vs crimson).

Let’s take a look at some examples, all from MaJe Gallery’s current collection of recent arrivals.

How To Take Over a Room

Power jacket in wine red

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Testimony’s popular Reba jacket now comes in this gorgeous shade of red: wine. This results in a softer reaction from others (as opposed to the vibrant crimson), yet still commands attention. No one will say this is too manly because of the feminine styling and rich color. This jacket exudes confidence without feeling overbearing. Perfect!

A softer red mixed with black and tan

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This wrap has splashes of red along with black and tan which soften the intensity of this brighter Venetian Red. Wear this over all black in order to cut a stunning figure in any room you care to enter. It’s subtle, yet cannot be avoided.

Cranberry top over mixed reds and blacks skirt

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Add pizzazzto this mixed-color Marcia Bloom skirt by choosing to bring out the cranberry tones. Sure, you could wear a black top with it too, but wearing the cranberry casts the outfit in a whole new light. Picture it with tall black boots this fall! This is an excellent outfit for weddings, class reunions, or holiday parties. Not only will you be extremely comfortable, you’ll feel generously powerful as the entire room takes notice.

And just for fun…

Newest from SolMate Socks: Mars

Named after the red planet Mars, this newest color palette from our favorite sock company, SolMate, is also called Mars. Paired with turquoise from the opposite side of the color wheel, and accented with black, this fun new color combo is quickly selling out. But never fear! More will come before it’s time to get them for stocking stuffers. Still just $19.95.

We have even more red clothing items to choose from, but you’ll have to stop by to see them in person. I look forward to the visit, and helping you put together the best red outfit for the next situation in which you need to instill confidence in yourself as well as the audience.

Cheers!

Manya

P.S. Follow us on Facebook to be first to know what’s arriving. Also, we need some facebook reviews! Would you please give us one? Thanks!

New this week at MaJe Gallery are four tops and three great skirts. Actually, there are twelve new skirts – each one of a kind. But only three have pictures here. You have to come in to see the rest!

Let’s start with four tops

These are all made in California by Necessitees – a popular brand that’s been around for quite a while. 94% cotton, 6% spandex ensures a long-lasting shirt. Machine washable.

Cotton Crew Neck T in ruby

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We’ll start with the love fall color of ruby. This T-shirt features a crew neck, 3/4 sleeves, and a relaxed fit – perfect to hide any extras in the torso. $48.

Long sleeve U-neck T-shirt

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Here we have a long-sleeve T-shirt in the beautiful wine color. It features a U-neck that’s not too deep. It’s just right. This one is more form-fitting. If you like it, but don’t like too form-fitting, choose one size larger than your usual and all will be well. $39.

A beautiful shade of blue

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This neckline is called the “Morocco” – it’s a soft V, a little rounded as it hits the neck. It is particularly flattering. The V is not very deep, perfect to show off you pendant. This is one of the more form-fitting styles, which makes it particularly good for layering. It has 3/4 sleeves in a color called “Beryl” – a lovely blue with a hint of green. $37.

Your favorite black T-shirt

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This is another with the Morocco softened V-neckline, but this time in black. This is one of the more form-fitting styles, which makes it particularly good for layering. It has 3/4 sleeves. It’s sure to become your favorite black T-shirt! $37.

And now for Three Skirts

Marcia Bloom creates funky one-of-a-kind skirts that are extremely comfortable to wear, and a whole lot of fun. Dress them up, or dress them down. Pair your skirt with a solid color top and you are set to go. I’ve seen them paired with a T-shirt and jean jacket for a casual look. Or go for a dressier solid top and a drapey jacket to get more dressy. Pair it with boots in the winter!

Three new skirts for fall

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All of these fall just below the knee. The magic waistband works on sizes 4 – 16. Seriously. People sometimes struggle to figure out how to style themselves with these awesome skirts. Here’s a suggestion.

One idea on how to wear your Marcia Bloom skirt

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This pretty skirt in shades of blue is another one from the latest collection. I paired it here with a simple black T-shirt (like the one above) and a short Testimony jacket in mineral wash blue. If you’re in Edmonds, you’ll see this on the mannequin in the window for a few more days.

Come on in and try on one of the skirts. I’ll show you several ways to wear it – from casual to dressy. Add a bit of fun to your wardrobe!

New hats! From Portland’s Nicole Flood

We are so pleased to announce a new artist – Nicole Flood from Portland, Oregon. Nicole makes awesome, one-of-a-kind hats from recycled fabrics. We’ve got everything from brights to neutrals, so come on in and choose your favorite. Just $44 each.

Stay in touch by following us on facebook and be first to see what we pull out of the box each day!

It’s time for a fall transition, ready or not. Evenings will be getting cooler soon. Are you ready? Check out these two tops and two jackets to help you get there.

FALL TRANSITION – TOPS

Black, white, tan print tunic

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The soft rayon jersey from Zen Knits feels great yet isn’t too heavy. This fun print in white, tan and black also features pockets in front. Loose in the torso, this top is perfect for hiding those pesky love handles that just won’t go away. Pair with black leggings. Add your favorite black boots when the weather cools down more.

Rich teal top with subtle print

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Add some color to your fall wardrobe with this stunning teal top. A shorter length for a non-tunic look, with a subtle abstract print. 3/4 sleeves. 100% cotton. Machine washable. Great over black pants or jeans.

FALL TRANSITION – JACKETS

Textured deep gray jacket

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We Northwest women know how a great jacket can complete an outfit. This rich gray textured cotton fabric is not only interesting, but it looks great on. Paired here over a burgundy tank with a black onyx necklace to accent. Simple, elegant, stylish, and oh yes, easy. Machine washable, great for travel. It also has very nice pockets!

Funk it up with tie dye

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This fabric is actual tie dye, not a print. Funky black, white and cream tie dye jacket features a sassy peplum back. Light-weight rayon jersey looks great over white, cream or your favorite solid color. Pair it with black leggings or pants for a funky, put-together look. Machine washable, great for travel.

Soft fabrics, feminine designs, distinctive looks you don’t see everywhere else. This clothing is for the confident woman who enjoys both looking and feeling great in her own body. Here are a couple examples from Zen Knits. In fact, these two are arriving at MaJe this week!

Transition from fall to winter with this charming tunic.Need another layer as our evenings get cooler?

Top quality rayon knits that flatter your figure and are actually fun to wear. That’s what we promise from Zen Knits.

So what about Testimony Los Angeles?

Three new jackets for Fall/Winter 2017

Living in the Northwest, ladies with style have at least half their closet filled with sweaters and jackets of various weights, lengths, colors and styles. Why? Because we like to look great no matter what the weather gods put in our path. Testimony comes to the rescue with stylish, elegant, feminine jackets for all occasions.

Girls Party at MaJe must have wine, cheese and fruit for all to enjoy

There will be treats! Wine, cheese, crackers, fruit…all the things we love to enjoy will be on hand.

Here’s how it works:

Our sales rep shows samples from the winter and holiday collections from Testimony and Zen

You peruse the options and choose items you want

We take note of your choices

Pay a 25% deposit

Manya orders for you

Items arrive first week of November

That’s it! Meanwhile, all us girls have a blast while keeping ourselves looking awesome!

So come on down and join us next Wednesday, August 23, from 5 – 8 pm to select your favorite items and order them for yourself!

Peridot jewelry is what everyone is looking for these days. Not only is it the birthstone for all you August birthdays, but it is also a beautiful shade of green.

Raw, uncut peridot stones

Background of Peridot

Called “the extreme gem” by the Gemological Institute of America, Peridot is born of fire and brought to light, one of only two gems (Diamond is the other) formed not in the Earth’s crust, but in molten rock of the upper mantle and brought to the surface by the tremendous forces of earthquakes and volcanoes. While these Peridots are born of Earth, other crystals of Peridot have extraterrestrial origins, found in rare pallasite meteorites (only 61 known to date) formed some 4.5 billion years ago, remnants of our solar system’s birth. Peridot in its basic form, Olivine, was also found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe in 2006, has been discovered on the moon, and detected by instrument on Mars by NASA’s Global Surveyor. Ancients believed, quite accurately, that Peridot was ejected to Earth by a sun’s explosion and carries its healing power.

Artists Make Beautiful Peridot Jewelry

Stunning peridot set by Bill Booze

Many of you are aware of Bill Booze, our master faceter. Bill takes the raw stones, as in the photo at the top. He carves off each and every ledge, or facet, to bring out the maximum beauty of the stones. And did I mention how much they sparkle? Bill carves extra facets underneath to get crazy amounts of sparkle. No two alike, and this necklace and earring set here, in its unusual setting, is a perfect example. $700 for pendant, chain and earrings. (It goes up to $900 in September.)

Peridot Jewelry – Rings!

Two views of a peridot ring

Here are two views of the same ring. This is another incredible peridot featuring the masterful faceting of Bill Booze. It is a large stone weighing in at 5.3 carats. It’s very clear and a yummy shade of green. Currently sized at 7, we can make it your size within 2 weeks. $600.

AAA grade Peridot in 14k yellow gold

Go for the gusto with this AAA grade peridot set in 14k yellow gold. This one is the most amazing peridot I’ve ever seen. The color, clarity, size and beauty are a “must see”. This ring is currently size 6 1/4, but we can make it any size you need within 2 weeks. $900.

More Artisan Peridot Jewelry

Unique Peridot jewelry by Shari Both

Long-time MaJe artist, and occasional shop girl Shari Both has been making powerful feminine jewelry for many years now. This peridot set is part of her current collection, which can be found on her very own page right here on this website. This necklace is currently in stock. $110. Shari will make the earrings when you order, to be ready in 10 days. Click here to purchase.

IT’S PARTY TIME!

Mark your calendars! Our End-of-Summer Trunk Show is coming!

Date: Wednesday, August 23

Time: 5 – 8 pm

Where: MaJe Gallery, 409 Main St, Edmonds

What: Our sales rep will be here with winter and holiday samples from both Testimony Los Angeles and Zen Knits.

Hot Stripes Are Fun and Bold

Hot stripes in multi-colored splendor

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The Megan Wrap from Florida’s Inside Out Everyday is now available in this colorful striped fabric. Yes, it’s great in summer, but it might also be just the thing for the dreariness of February. Circular hem is shorter in front and longer in back, reducing the appearance of hips. Manya’s modeling it in these photos above showing the variety you can get when pairing it with different colored tops and black leggings.

Instead of leggings, how about a blue skirt?

Pair it with a long, blue skirt and white top for a refreshing look that will be perfect for your next outing. All three items now available at MaJe Gallery.

Diagonal stripes!

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Also from Inside Out Everyday is this blue tunic with diagonal stripes and two front pockets. The perfect length to wear with your favorite leggings.

Soft and Sassy Lynette Top

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The ultra-light weight of this fabric is perfect for your next hot weather event. The slightly rounded hem is flattering to view. Pair it over black or white as shown here.

Introducing Our Newest Jeweler

When Christine Busch Lyons was still in college she found some old circus animal stamps in her grandparents’ basement one summer afternoon. As an art major with a specialty in metal work she found the stamps inspiring and used them in her work. These charming shapes can now be found at MaJe Gallery in Edmonds.

Octopus and Wild Stars Earrings

Light-weight and shiny silver, these are sure to attract admiring comments from complete strangers.

The Puss She earrings!

According to Christine, “I had the idea for the PussShe Cat design early one morning when I was half asleep. I got up and did a drawing and told my husband Glenn “we’ve got to make this!” I was so inspired by the Women’s March and the whole “Pussy Hat” phenomena. Also I love the design and quite frankly thought it might sell. Because of what we believe in, a portion of our sales of PussShe Cat jewelry will be going to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

Pendants also available.

A new box of the awesome basic T-shirts from Halo is arriving any day now, so stay tuned! Find out first by following us on Facebook!

Sky blue is an excellent color to include in your summer wardrobe. It’s fresh and clean, and looks great with at least half your closet.

Sky Blue Summer Jackets

The top-selling Reba jacket in sky blue

The Reba jacket quickly rose to become Testimony’s most popular jacket. Why? Because it’s gorgeous, that’s why! And now, for a limited time, it’s available in this lovely shade of blue called “sky.”

By the way, I also have several pairs of Testimony’s narrow leg “Betty” pant in sky as well…. Don’t wait long if you want some!

Introducing New Artist Kathy Walker

Art inside AND out!

Edmonds watercolor artist Kathy Walker launches a new line of art boxes using her exquisite watercolor paintings. Available only at MaJe Gallery, these meticulously finished boxes feature Kathy’s art both inside and out, as you can see in this box with a drawer and mirror. Each box is signed by Kathy, making it a collectible piece.

The above box in purple and gold measures, when closed, 5 3/4″ long x 4″ wide and 3″ tall.

Two boxes featuring a floral bouquet

Here are two more boxes from our collection. These feature a vibrant floral bouquet ready to cheer up any room. Stop by the gallery to see the entire collection! No two alike!

The box on the left is 6″ x 4″ x 1.25″ tall. On the right, it’s 2.5″ x 3.5″ x 2″ high.

A Good Card is a Beautiful Thing

Email is great. Facebook is nice. But receiving a card in the mail is just about the best thing there is! We just opened a box of new cards from our ever-popular line: Slap Happy. Here’s a sample.

Three examples from our latest delivery

And at just $3.95 each, they are a great price too. I’m constantly on the lookout for cards with optimism and humor. There’s enough negativity out there! You won’t find it in our cards.

A new box from InsideOut is expected any day now, so stay in touch. Be the first to see what comes out of that box by following us on Facebook!

Not all white tops are the same. We just got three new ones that are outstanding! They fit our motto of Easy Elegance For Life to a T.

Not All White Tops Are The Same

Simple. Elegant. Fun.

Three cut-outs at the neck transform a simple, half-sleeve white T-shirt into an elegant yet fun summer top. The Mackenzie Top is made of rayon jersey, it’s machine washable, great for traveling, and a perfect weight for summer. Just $84, and for a while, available in sizes XS all the way through to XL. Stop in to try one on, or go for the gusto and get it right here and now. I’ll ship it to you right away!

White tunic with cami included

A sheer, textured white tunic over a simple cami makes an elegant statement with a dash of sass. Better yet, it’s aptly called the Tequila Tunic! Pair it with jeans for casual, a skirt for a party, or something in between for a day out with your girlfriends. Machine washable and great for travel, this summer top will get a lot of wear and enjoyment. Just $84 and nearly all sold out. Only size large remaining.

Black with white-stripe trim in the Ivy Top

Sometimes, black is the way to go. The Easy Elegance of an all black profile will never steer you wrong. Interesting details in the Ivy Top like precision cutouts at the neck and in the sleeves make this stand out from the crowd. As with all Inside Out Everyday tops, this also comes with plenty of room in the torso to disguise extra things we shan’t mention aloud. Available in one each size from Small to Extra Large. Like it? Get your size while you can for just $84.

Fun Jewelry For Your New Top

Funky new bracelets from Christophe Poly

Our top-selling jewelry artist, Christophe Poly, just sent these super fun stainless steel cuff bracelets for our enjoyment. There’s just one each in stock, so don’t wait! Just $58 each. (Update 7/13: the second from left bracelet has sold. Three more still available)

Or how about a signature bracelet and necklace!

New and wonderful necklaces with coordinating bracelets by Christophe Poly. Just one each, so don’t hesitate if you like one. Necklaces have a magnetic clasp and are 17″ long. Necklaces $58, Bracelets $48. More styles in stock! (Update 7/13: the black with aqua bracelet has sold.)

Wishing everyone a happy fourth of July! Need some fun socks to wear? Check these out:

Stars on one side, Stripes on the other

Such fun, and just in time to celebrate the Fourth of July! These crew socks are just $12. Only 1 pairs left, so don’t wait!